It was a rainy and cloudy Friday morning, as I drove to my full-time position.  However, this morning was different because I woke up with a migraine for the first time in a long while, and it couldn’t be attributed to heavy salt intake or a medical issue. This time, I knew it was mental fatigue. I was burning the candle at both ends AGAIN! 

Navigating the schedule between getting the boys from extracurricular activities, making dinner and cleaning the kitchen nightly, showering, and getting prepared for the next day, reading the Bible in my regular devotionals, writing my blog and working on my book, and working 2+ jobs. I was getting into bed later and later trying to get it all done.   

Have you ever felt like your to-do list never seems to end? Adulting responsibilities continue to pile on day by day. Before you know it, you’re in a cycle of over-exhaustion. You know this when simple tasks feel unnerving at the very thought of them. At least, that’s when I know something’s up with me. More irritability at the mere idea of any small task or request!

I think I know how Moses may have felt in the Book of Numbers. I cannot carry all these people by myself; the burden is too heavy for me. If this is how you are going to treat me, please go ahead and kill me—if I have found favor in your eyes—and do not let me face my own ruin. The Lord said to Moses: “Bring me seventy of Israel’s elders who are known to you as leaders and officials among the people. Have them come to the tent of meeting, that they may stand there with you. I will come down and speak with you there, and I will take some of the power of the Spirit that is on you and put it on them. They will share the burden of the people with you so that you will not have to carry it alone. Numbers 11:14-17 (NIV)

Wait! You mean to tell me that there was burnout in the olden days? Yes, and Moses had reached his share of fatigue. I can only imagine leading hundreds of thousands of people as their appointed leader and liaison between God and them. I only have 3 sons and feeling overwhelmed consumes me some days! 

In this passage, we see Moses having to navigate a number of complaints and decisions, and it gets too much for one man to handle. What is God’s response to Moses? God provided the specific help Moses needed in the selection of appointing leaders. They would support him and work alongside him to carry out God’s assignment! God Himself provided the solution to the complaints and regrets from His people. Moses only had to position himself to hear and obey what God would say. He also brought his emotions, frustrations and questions to God directly.  Unlike Moses, I have often defaulted to taking on the burden in my own strength leading to perpetual anxiety and fatigue. 

What is God’s response to me? Ask for help. You’ll be happy to know I practiced what I preach! I talk to God all the time about my emotions and that day was no different. I heard the Holy Spirit through this scripture tell me to ask for help. So I reached out to family members to help me navigate getting the boys from school when my work schedule would not allow.  I simplified our school lunch routine to save time and I relied on leftovers to take the “thinking” out of seemingly mundane tasks. My work responsibilities had increased and I was having to pivot. I cannot do it all and I’m not even going to try! Sometimes the solutions are simple when your true needs are identified.

Remember, REST is an active process and has to be an active pursuit on our behalf! 

Consider these questions for personal reflection:

1. In what areas do I need to be still among the busyness and hear from God?

2. What emotions are stirring as I think about my responsibilities and my God-given assignment?

3. What are the priorities that align with God‘s vision and mission for your life right now? Are there people that God has placed in your life that can assist you with the God-given assignment? Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you who those people are and what things need your focus.

 Practical steps: 

1. Go to God in prayer. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you what areas you are exhausted and fatigued in the assignment and things of God.

2. Mindfulness tip: Organize your tasks by the most immediate deadline and/or greatest priority first. Take it one step and one day at a time.